-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Synonyms
Examples of play down in a Sentence
out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments
if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve
Recent Examples on the Web
Asked about the Reuters report, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin played down any risk to American troops or the chance that Russian troops might get close to U.S. military hardware.
—Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 May 2024
Rice is the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and a player who caught the Chargers’ attention in part because of his ability to make plays down the field.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2024
The Kings have lost a number of games this season due to their maddening tendency to play down to the level of competition against shorthanded opponents.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, Manischewitz doesn’t want to play down its heritage.
—Jaclyn Peiser, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Both made big plays down the stretch, but Portland held on to beat Charlotte, 89-86.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024
Art Basel has played down concerns about free expression.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 30 Mar. 2024
One play after Patrick Mahomes connected with Mecole Hardman on a 52-yard play down to the 49ers' 9-yard line, Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco lost the football.
—Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2024
Yet Sacramento hasn’t kicked the season-long trend of playing down to the competition.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'play down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near play down
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20down. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
play down
verb
: to attach little importance to : minimize
More from Merriam-Webster on play down
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share